Bigger Doesn't Mean Better

GMO’s ( Genetically Modified Organisms) have been used and fed to the consumer for quite some time now without the consumer being properly informed as to the effects or lack of studies done to test how healthy they might be. One of the more popular genetically modified food’s happens to be tomatoes. Genetically modified tomatoes were first introduced to the public in 1994 and only four years later, they were removed from supermarkets. Not enough studies had been done and although they were expected to be safe for the public studies done on mice show that the long term effects could lead to serious health risks.In his article about GMO's and diseases, Sean Poulter states that “The first lifetime trials involving rats fed on GM corn found a raised incidence of breast tumors, liver and kidney damage”(Poulter). Consumers that buy GM foods are at risks of developing long term health issues since the health issues associated with GMO’s aren't certain.

Genetically modified foods are significantly cheaper and have been thought to help end world hunger because with GMO’s, you’re able to create a large amount of food and have the food be significantly bigger. Salmon has been genetically modified in order to allow them to grow twice as bigger and to mature much faster than regular salmon.  Having large quantities of food and having them be bigger than their normal size allows more people to feed for less money than would be needed if they bought food that was not modified. Families are not always aware that they are buying genetically modified foods because they tend to look like normal food and because big name companies have fought so hard to not allow bills to have genetically modified foods be labeled passed. Consumers on a low budget will tend to fall prey to genetically modified foods because they will be getting “more for their dollar” than if they were to buy food that has not been genetically altered due to the size difference between the foods.

Organic food has gained popularity because it is a healthier choice as opposed to the food that is being constantly advertised to consumers, GMO’s , which are not the healthiest of choice. GMO have been altered to be resistant to many pesticides and some even contain DNA of bacteria.  “Avoiding pesticides and antibiotic-resistant infections are two good reasons to eat organic food...”(Meredith).  For those wanting a healthier body, it would serve better to steer away from GMO due to all the genetic changes that are made to the food that is consumed. The consumer needs to be better informed of their options and of the food they are consuming. Most foods in the supermarket are genetically modified, however, a consumer won’t be able to pinpoint out which exactly are and are not GMO’s hence why food labeling is essential. By depriving the customer the right to know what they’re eating, companies are not avoiding “mass panic” but rather are misinforming the consumer about their product.

References:

1. Heyes, J. D. "New Monstrous Breeds of GMO Tomato Coming to a Store near You." NaturalNews. N.p., July-Aug. 2013. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.
2. Poulter, Sean. "Cancer Row over GM Foods as Study Says It Did THIS to Rats... and Can Cause Organ Damage and Early Death in Humans." Mail Online. N.p., 19 Sept. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.
3. "The Fish." Salmon Nation: Genetically Engineered Salmon. Ecotrust, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.
4. Melnick, Meredith. "Is Organic Food Healthier?" The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 14 Sept. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2013

1. Digital image. New York Times, n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.